Low Profile Plate

ABSTRACT

The present application generally relates to orthopedic systems, and in particular, to systems including independent plates and spacers. A plating system can include a spacer and a plate that is independent from the spacer. A number of locking mechanisms can be provided to secure the plate to the spacer. In some cases, the spacer includes a pair of notches that extend on an outer surface of the spacer. The plate can include a pair of lateral extensions that can engage the notches to secure the plate to the spacer. In other cases, the spacer includes an opening including a pair of inlets. The plate can include an enclosed posterior extension that can be received in the pair of inlets to secure the plate to the spacer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/785,434 filed on Mar. 5, 2013, which is incorporated in its entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application is generally directed to orthopedic systems, and in particular, to systems including plates and spacers.

BACKGROUND

Spinal discs and/or vertebral bodies of a spine can be displaced or damaged due to trauma, disease, degenerative defects, or wear over an extended period of time. One result of this displacement or damage may be chronic back pain. In some cases, to alleviate back pain, the disc can be removed and replaced with an implant, such as a spacer, that promotes fusion. In addition to providing one or more spacers, a plating system can be used to further stabilize the spine during the fusion process. Such a plating system can include one or more plates and screws for aligning and holding vertebrae in a fixed position with respect to one another.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved systems involving plating systems and spacers for spinal fusion and stabilization.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various systems, devices and methods related to plating systems are provided. In some embodiments, a spinal system comprises a spacer for inserting into an intervertebral space and a plate configured to abut the spacer. The spacer can include an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening that extends between the upper surface to the lower surface, wherein the spacer further includes a tapered leading end. The plate for abutting the spacer can include a plate body, a first opening formed in the plate body for receiving a first bone screw, a second opening formed in the plate body for receiving a second bone screw, a set screw, and a pair of extensions that extend from the plate body that are configured to engage the spacer. The first opening can angled in an upward direction, while the second opening can be angled in a downward direction. The set screw can be configured to prevent back-out of both the first and the second bone screws, wherein the set screw has a first position whereby the first and second bone screws can be inserted past the set screw and into the first and second openings and a second position following rotation of the set screw whereby the first and second bone screws are prevented from backing out by the set screw. A first bone screw is provided for inserting into the first opening in the plate body, wherein the first bone screw is configured to be inserted into a first vertebral body. A second bone screw is provided for inserting into the second opening in the plate body, wherein the second bone screw is configured to be inserted into a second vertebral body different from the vertebral body.

In other embodiments, a spinal system comprises a spacer for inserting into an intervertebral space and a plate configured to abut the spacer. The spacer can include an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening that extends between the upper surface to the lower surface, wherein the spacer further includes a concave leading end. The plate for abutting the spacer can include a plate body, a first opening formed in the plate body for receiving a first bone screw, a second opening formed in the plate body for receiving a second bone screw, a set screw, and a pair of extensions that extend from the plate body that are configured to engage the spacer. The first opening can angled in an upward direction, while the second opening can be angled in a downward direction. The set screw can be configured to prevent back-out of at least one of the first and the second bone screws, wherein the set screw has a first position whereby at least one of the first and second bone screws can be inserted past the set screw and into at least one of the first and second openings and a second position following rotation of the set screw whereby at least one of the first and second bone screws are prevented from backing out by the set screw. Each of the pair of extensions can include a window that extends along a length of the extension. A first bone screw is provided for inserting into the first opening in the plate body, wherein the first bone screw is configured to be inserted into a first vertebral body. A second bone screw is provided for inserting into the second opening in the plate body, wherein the second bone screw is configured to be inserted into a second vertebral body different from the vertebral body.

In some embodiments, a spinal system comprises a spacer for inserting into an intervertebral space and a plate configured to abut the spacer. The spacer can include an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening that extends between the upper surface to the lower surface. The plate for abutting the spacer can include a plate body, a first opening formed in the plate body for receiving a first bone screw, a second opening formed in the plate body for receiving a second bone screw, a set screw, and a pair of extensions that extend from the plate body that are configured to engage the spacer. The first opening can angled in an upward direction, while the second opening can be angled in a downward direction. The set screw can be configured to prevent back-out of at least one of the first and the second bone screws, wherein the set screw has a first position whereby at least one of the first and second bone screws can be inserted past the set screw and into at least one of the first and second openings and a second position following rotation of the set screw whereby at least one of the first and second bone screws are prevented from backing out by the set screw. Each of the pair of extensions can include a window that extends along a length of the extension. A first bone screw is provided for inserting into the first opening in the plate body, wherein the first bone screw is configured to be inserted into a first vertebral body. A second bone screw is provided for inserting into the second opening in the plate body, wherein the second bone screw is configured to be inserted into a second vertebral body different from the vertebral body. The spacer and the plate are independent from one another such that the spacer can be inserted into a desired spinal location prior to abutting the spacer with the plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate different views of a low profile plate attached to a spacer according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate different views of the low profile plate shown in FIGS. 1A-1D.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate different views of a PEEK spacer to be used with the low profile plate shown in FIGS. 2A-2D.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate different views of an allograft spacer to be used with the low profile plate shown in FIGS. 2A-2D.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate different views of a second alternative embodiment of a low profile plate attached to a spacer according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate different views of the low profile plate shown in FIGS. 5A-5D.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate different views of a PEEK spacer to be used with the low profile plate in FIGS. 6A-6D.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate different views of an allograft spacer to be used with the low profile plate in FIGS. 6A-6D.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate different views of a third alternative embodiment of a low profile plate attached to a spacer according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate different views of the low profile plate shown in FIGS. 9A-9D.

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate different views of a fourth alternative embodiment of a low profile plate attached to a spacer according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate different views of the low profile plate shown in FIGS. 11A-11D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The present application is generally directed to orthopedic systems, and in particular, to systems including plates and spacers.

The present application discloses orthopedic plating systems that can be used in spinal surgeries, such as spinal fusions. The plating systems disclosed herein include a plate and a spacer that are independent from one another. In some cases, the plate and the spacer can be pre-attached to one another before positioning them in a desired location of the spine. In other cases, the spacer can first be inserted into a desired location of the spine, and then the plate can be inserted thereafter. Advantageously, the plating systems disclosed herein are of low-profile. For example, they can provide a very small, anterior footprint cervical plate solution for fusion procedures. One skilled in the art will appreciate that while the plating systems can be used with cervical procedures, the plating systems are not limited to such areas, and can be used with other regions of the spine.

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate different views of a plating system comprising a low profile plate attached to a spacer according to some embodiments. The plating system 5 includes a spacer 10 attached to a low-profile plate 50. Advantageously, the plating system 5 can be inserted through an anterior approach into a spine, and can desirably provide a small anterior footprint.

The spacer 10 is configured to have an upper surface 12, a lower surface 14, and a leading end 22. In some embodiments, the upper surface 12 and/or lower surface 14 includes texturing 16, such as teeth, ribs, ripples, etc. to assist in providing frictional contact with adjacent vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the leading end 22 of the spacer 10 can be slightly tapered, as shown in FIG. 1A. With the taper, the leading end 22 can serve as a distraction surface that helps the spacer to be inserted into an intervertebral space. As shown in FIG. 1B, the leading end 22 can be concave, though in other embodiments, the leading end 22 can be straight or convex.

The spacer 10 can be substantially C-shaped (as shown in FIG. 3B), whereby it includes two side arms 13 that surround an inner opening 20. Adjacent the side arms 13 is a convex wall 19. In some embodiments, the convex wall 19 is substantially parallel to the concave surface of the leading end 22. The opening 20, which is configured to receive natural or synthetic graft material therein to assist in a fusion procedure, has an open side that is opposite convex wall 19, thereby giving the spacer 10 its C-shape.

The spacer 10 has a number of unique features that accommodate the attachment of a plate 50 thereto. Each of the side arms 13 of the spacer 10 includes a notch 17 (shown in FIG. 3B) for receiving a corresponding protrusion 71 of a lateral arm or extension 70 of the plate 50, thereby advantageously forming a first locking mechanism between the spacer 10 and the plate 50. In addition, in some embodiments, each of the side arms 13 of the spacer 10 can also include a hump region 26 (shown in FIG. 3B) that can extend in part into a window 72 of an attached plate 50 (shown in FIG. 2A), thereby advantageously providing a second locking mechanism between the spacer 10 and the plate 50. Advantageously, by providing secure first and second locking mechanisms between the spacer 10 and the plate 50, the plate and spacer will be kept securely together during any type of impaction of the plating system within the body. Furthermore, each of the side arms 13 of the spacer 10 can include a cut-away portion or chamfer 18, 19 (shown in FIG. 3C) to advantageously accommodate screws which pass through the plate. In embodiments that involve a pair of screws through the plate 50—one of which passes in an upward direction, and the other of which passes in a downward direction—one side arm 13 of the spacer 10 will include an upper chamfer 18 formed on an upper surface to accommodate the upwardly directed screw, while the second side arm 13 of the spacer will include a lower chamfer 19 formed on a lower surface to accommodate the downwardly directed screw.

The spacer 10 can be formed of any material. In some embodiments, the spacer 10 is formed of a polymer, such as PEEK, as shown in FIG. 3A. In some embodiments, the spacer 10 is formed of allograft bone, as shown in FIG. 4A. In some instances, to form an allograft implant, allograft bone may be cut or shaved from a desired bone member. The cut allograft bone will then be assembled together, using an adhesive or mechanical fastener (e.g., bone pins). Accordingly, in some embodiments, an allograft spacer 10 is formed of two, three, four or more layers that are assembled together, such as by one or more bone pins. One particular advantage of the invention is that the plate 50 can work with a variety of different spacers 10, as the plate 50 is independently removable from and attachable to the spacer 10. Regardless of whether a surgeon chooses to implant an allograft spacer or PEEK spacer 10 into an intervertebral space, the surgeon can simply attach the low-profile plate 50 to the spacer 10 following implantation into the intervertebral space.

The plate 50 is configured to have a plate body and a pair of lateral extensions 70 that extend from the plate body, each of which has a protrusion 71, for inserting into a corresponding notch 17 of the spacer 10. These lateral extensions 70 help form the first locking mechanism between the plate 50 and the spacer 10, as discussed above. In addition, the lateral extensions 70 of the plate 50 each include a window 72 (shown in FIG. 2A) for receiving a hump region 26 on the arms 17 of the spacer 10, thereby helping to form the second locking mechanism between the plate 50 and the spacer 10, as discussed above.

In addition to attaching to the spacer 10, the plate 50 is also configured to attach into one or more vertebral bodies via one or more bone screws. As shown in FIG. 1A, the plate 50 includes a first screw hole 52 and a second screw hole 54 for receiving bone screws therein. In some embodiments, screw hole 52 is angled upwardly such that an inserted bone screw passes upward into an upper vertebral body, while screw hole 54 is angled downwardly such that an inserted bone screw passes downward into a lower vertebral body. While the illustrated embodiment illustrates a pair of screw holes for receiving a pair of bone screws, it is possible to have one, three, four, five or more screw holes for receiving a different number of bone screws.

Over time, it is possible for bone screws to back-out. The plate 50 thus has a blocking or set screw 56 (shown in FIG. 1C) that assists in preventing back-out of inserted bone screws. As shown in FIG. 1C, the set screw 56 can be in an initial position that allows first and second bone screws to pass through holes 52, 54. Once the bone screws have been inserted through the holes 52, 54, the set screw 56 can be rotated (e.g., 90 degrees), to thereby block the bone screws and prevent back out of the bone screws. In some embodiments, the set screw 56 abuts a side of the head of the bone screws to prevent back-out of the bone screws, while in other embodiments, the set screw 56 rests over a top of the head of the bone screws to prevent back-out of the bone screws. In some embodiments, the set screw 56 comes pre-fixed with the plate 50. As shown in FIG. 1C, a single set screw 56 can be used to conveniently block a pair of bone screws. In other embodiments, each bone screw can be assigned its own set screw, which can operate independently of one another, to prevent back-out of the bone screw.

The plate 50 can also include one or more knife-like edges 63 that provide additional torsional stabilization when the plate 50 rests against a bone member. As shown in FIG. 1C, the knife-like edges 63 can be formed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the plate 50 body. While the illustrated embodiment shows a pair of knife-like edges 63 on an upper surface of the plate body and a pair of knife-like edges 63 on a lower surface of the plate body, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a different number of knife-like edges 63 can be provided.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate different views of the low profile plate shown in FIGS. 1A-1D. From these views, one can see the pair of lateral extensions 70 that extend from the body of the plate 50. At the distal end of each of the lateral extensions 70 is an inwardly-facing protrusion 71 that is configured to fit into a corresponding notch in the spacer 10. In addition, from these views, one can see the windows 72 that are formed in each of the lateral extensions 70. The windows 72 advantageously receive hump regions 26 of the spacer to provide a locking mechanism, and also help to improve desirable radiolucency. Advantageously, the windows 72 can have rounded edges to accommodate the spacer 10 therein. While the illustrated windows 72 are shown as rectangular with rounded edges, in other embodiments, the windows 72 can have a different shape, such as circular or oval. In some embodiments, the plate 50 is assembled axially to the spacer 10.

In some embodiments, the low profile plate 50 can also include indented gripping sections 73 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). These indented gripping sections 73 advantageously provide a gripping surface for an insertion instrument, thereby facilitating easy delivery of the plate to a spacer body during surgery.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate different views of a PEEK spacer to be used with the low profile plate shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. From these views, one can see how the spacer 10 a includes an upper surface 12 a and a lower surface 14 a with texturing 16 a; a generally C-shaped body including a pair of arms 13 a each having a notch 17 a formed therein and an upper chamfer 18 a or lower chamfer 19 a; and a tapered leading edge 22 a. In addition, one skilled in the art can appreciate the substantially symmetric shape of the inner opening 20 a, which serves as a graft hole for receiving graft material therein.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate different views of an allograft spacer to be used with the lower profile plate shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. While the allograft spacer 10 b shares similar features to the PEEK spacer 10 a shown in previous figures, such as the notches 17 b, hump surfaces 26 b, and chamfers 18 b,19 b, the allograft spacer 10 b need not be the same. For example, the shape of the graft opening 20 b can be more of an arch, as shown in FIG. 4B.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate different views of a second alternative embodiment of a low profile plate attached to a spacer according to some embodiments. Rather than having a plate 50 with lateral extensions 70 that extend around the outer surface of a spacer 10, the present embodiment of the plating system 105 includes a plate 150 with an enclosed posterior extension 155 that fits within the body of the spacer 110. The enclosed posterior extension 155 includes extending surfaces 166, 167 that are fitted into corresponding inlets 121, 123 formed in the body of the spacer 120, thereby forming a first locking mechanism between the plate 150 and the spacer 110. In addition, the enclosed posterior extension 155 of the plate 50 includes one or more deformable locking tabs 160 (shown in FIG. 6B) that securely lock into tab holes 181 a in the spacer body 110, thereby forming a second locking mechanism between the plate 150 and the spacer 110. While in some embodiments, the plate 150 can be attached to the spacer 110 after inserting the spacer 110 into a desired location in the body, in other embodiments, the plate 150 can be pre-assembled with the spacer 110 prior to inserting the plating system 105 into the desired location.

Like the spacer 10 in FIG. 1A, the spacer 110 is configured to have an upper surface 112, a lower surface 114, and a leading end 122. In some embodiments, the upper surface 112 and/or lower surface 114 includes texturing 116, such as teeth, ribs, ripples, etc. to assist in providing frictional contact with adjacent vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the leading end 122 of the spacer 110 can be slightly tapered, as shown in FIG. 7D. With the taper, the leading end 122 can serve as a distraction surface that helps the spacer 110 to be inserted into an intervertebral space. As shown in FIG. 1B, the leading end 122 can be concave, though in other embodiments, the leading end 122 can be straight or convex.

The spacer 110 can be substantially C-shaped (as shown in FIG. 7B), whereby it includes two side arms 113 that surround an inner opening 120. Adjacent the side arms 113 is a straight wall 119 that forms the border of the graft opening 120. The straight wall 119 can include one or more tab holes 181 (shown in FIG. 7A) for receiving deformable tab locks 160 therein. The graft opening 20, which is configured to receive natural or synthetic graft material therein to assist in a fusion procedure, has an open side that is opposite the straight wall 119, thereby giving the spacer 110 its C-shape.

In some embodiments, the graft opening 120 (shown in FIG. 7B) has a different shape from the opening 20 of the spacer 10 of the prior embodiment, as the graft opening 120 is configured to not only receive graft material, but also the enclosed posterior extension 155 of the plate 150. For example, the graft opening 120 includes two inlets—a first inlet 121 formed at the junction between the first arm 113 and wall 119 and a second inlet 123 formed at the junction between the second arm 113 and wall 119 (shown in FIG. 7B)—for receiving outwardly extending surfaces 166, 167 of the plate 150 (shown in FIG. 6B). In addition, the graft opening 120 includes two outwardly tapering walls 111 that provide enough space to accommodate any bone screws inserted in the plate 150. As such, additional chamfers 18, 19 (as shown in FIG. 3B) are optional.

Like spacer 10, the spacer 110 can be formed of a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the spacer 110 comprises PEEK, as shown in FIG. 7A, while in other embodiments, the spacer 110 comprises allograft bone, as shown in FIG. 8A.

The plate 150 is configured to have a plate body, and an enclosed posterior extension 155 that extends from the plate body, which is received within and retains the spacer 110. The enclosed posterior extension 155 includes first and second outwardly extending surfaces 166, 167 that fit into inlets 121, 123 formed within the spacer 110 body to form a first locking mechanism. In addition, one or more deformable tab locks 160 extend from an exterior surface of the enclosed posterior extension 155 and are received in corresponding tab holes 181 in the spacer 150 to form a second locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the side walls of the enclosed posterior extension 155 can include one or more windows 172 (shown in FIG. 6A) for improving radiolucency of the plating system. In some embodiments, the plate 150 is assembled axially to the spacer 110.

In addition to attaching to the spacer 110, the plate 150 is also configured to attach into one or more vertebral bodies via one or more bone screws 88, 89. As shown in FIG. 5A, the plate 150 includes a first screw hole 152 and a second screw hole 154 for receiving bone screws 88, 89 therein. In some embodiments, screw hole 152 is angled upwardly such that an inserted bone screw 88 passes upward into an upper vertebral body, while screw hole 154 is angled downwardly such that an inserted bone screw 89 passes downward into a lower vertebral body. While the illustrated embodiment illustrates a pair of screw holes for receiving a pair of bone screws, it is possible to have one, three, four, five or more screw holes for receiving a different number of bone screws.

Over time, it is possible for bone screws to back-out. The plate 150 thus has a blocking or set screw 156 (shown in FIG. 5C) that assists in preventing back-out of inserted bone screws. As shown in FIG. 5C, the set screw 156 can be in an initial position that allows first and second bone screws to pass through holes 152, 154. Once the bone screws have been inserted through the holes 152, 154, the set screw 156 can be rotated (e.g., 90 degrees), to thereby block the bone screws and prevent back out of the bone screws. In some embodiments, the set screw 156 abuts a side of the head of the bone screws to prevent back-out of the bone screws, while in other embodiments, the set screw 156 rests over a top of the head of the bone screws to prevent back-out of the bone screws. In some embodiments, the set screw 156 comes pre-fixed with the plate 150. As shown in FIG. 5C, a single set screw 156 can be used to conveniently block a pair of bone screws. In other embodiments, each bone screw can be assigned its own set screw, which can operate independently of one another, to prevent back-out of the bone screw.

The plate 150 can also include one or more knife-like edges 163 that provide additional torsional stabilization when the plate 150 rests against a bone member. As shown in FIG. 5C, the knife-like edges 163 can be formed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the plate 150 body. While the illustrated embodiment shows a pair of knife-like edges 163 on an upper surface of the plate body and a pair of knife-like edges 163 on a lower surface of the plate body, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a different number of knife-like edges 163 can be provided.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate different views of the low profile plate shown in FIGS. 5A-5D. From these views, one can see the enclosed posterior extension 155 that extends from the body of the plate 150. At the distal end of the enclosed posterior extension 155 are a pair of outwardly extending surfaces 166, 167 that are configured to fit within inlets 121, 123 formed in the spacer. From these views, one can also see the deformable tab lock 160 (FIG. 6B) that can help secure the plate 150 to the spacer 110. In addition, from these views, one can see the windows 172 that are formed in each of the arms of the enclosed posterior extension 155. The windows 172 advantageously help to improve desirable radiolucency, and are of large size to provide a large viewing surface area. While the illustrated windows 172 are shown as triangular with rounded edges, in other embodiments, the windows 172 can have a different shape, such as circular or oval. In some embodiments, the plate 150 is assembled axially to the spacer 110.

In some embodiments, the low profile plate 150 can also include indented gripping sections 173 (shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B). These indented gripping sections 173 advantageously provide a gripping surface for an insertion instrument, thereby facilitating easy delivery of the plate to a spacer body during surgery.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate different views of a PEEK spacer to be used with the low profile plate shown in FIGS. 5A-5D. From these views, one can see how the spacer 110 a includes an upper surface 112 a and a lower surface 114 a with texturing 116 a; a generally C-shaped body including a pair of arms 113 a each having an inner inlet 121, 123 a formed therein; and a tapered leading edge 122 a. In addition, one skilled in the art can appreciate the substantially symmetric shape of the inner opening 120 a, which serves as a graft hole for receiving graft material therein.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate different views of an allograft spacer to be used with the lower profile plate shown in FIGS. 5A-5D. While the allograft spacer 110 b shares similar features to the PEEK spacer 110 a shown in previous figures, such as the C-shaped body including a pair of arms 113 b each having an inlet 121 b, 123 b formed therein, the allograft spacer 110 b need not be the same.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate different views of a third alternative embodiment of a low profile plate attached to a spacer according to some embodiments. In the present embodiment, the plating system 205 includes a plate 250 having lateral arms or extensions 270 that extend around an exterior surface of a spacer 210. The lateral extensions 270 extend wider than the lateral extensions 70 in the first embodiment, and do not necessarily have to interlock with the spacer 210. While in some embodiments, the plate 250 can be attached to the spacer 210 after inserting the spacer 210 into a desired location in the body, in other embodiments, the plate 250 can be pre-assembled with the spacer 210 prior to inserting the plating system 205 into the desired location.

Like the spacer 10 in FIG. 1A, the spacer 210 is configured to have an upper surface 212, a lower surface 214, and a leading end 222. In some embodiments, the upper surface 212 and/or lower surface 214 includes texturing 216, such as teeth, ribs, ripples, etc. to assist in providing frictional contact with adjacent vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the leading end 222 of the spacer 210 can be slightly tapered, as shown in FIG. 9D. With the taper, the leading end 222 can serve as a distraction surface that helps the spacer 210 to be inserted into an intervertebral space. As shown in FIG. 9B, the leading end 222 can be slightly concave, though in other embodiments, the leading end 122 can be straight or convex. Unlike previously illustrated spacers, the spacer 210 can have a graft hole 220 that is completely enclosed. As shown in FIG. 9B, the graft hole 220 can surrounded by four walls. In addition, the spacer 210 can include four outer walls: two straight walls, a convex wall and a concave wall.

In some embodiments, the graft opening 220 (shown in FIG. 9B) has a different shape from the openings of prior embodiments, as the graft opening 220 is enclosed. While the graft opening 220 is rectangular with rounded edges, in other embodiments, the graft opening 220 can have a different shape. For example, in some embodiments, the graft opening 220 can have curved walls, instead of straight walls, or can have tapered walls, instead of straight walls.

Like spacer 10, the spacer 210 can be formed of a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the spacer 210 comprises allograft bone, while in other embodiments, the spacer 210 comprises PEEK.

The plate 250 is configured to have a pair of lateral extensions 270 that receive the spacer 220. As shown in FIG. 9A, in some embodiments, the lateral extensions 270 include one or more windows 272 for improving radiolucency of the plating system. In some embodiments, the plate 250 is assembled axially to the spacer 210.

In addition to capturing the spacer 210, the plate 250 is also configured to attach into one or more vertebral bodies via one or more bone screws 88, 89. As shown in FIG. 9A, the plate 250 includes a first screw hole 252 and a second screw hole 254 for receiving bone screws 88, 89 therein. In some embodiments, screw hole 252 is angled upwardly such that an inserted bone screw 88 passes upward into an upper vertebral body, while screw hole 254 is angled downwardly such that an inserted bone screw 89 passes downward into a lower vertebral body. While the illustrated embodiment illustrates a pair of screw holes for receiving a pair of bone screws, it is possible to have one, three, four, five or more screw holes for receiving a different number of bone screws.

Over time, it is possible for bone screws to back-out. The plate 250 thus has a blocking or set screw 256 (shown in FIG. 9C) that assists in preventing back-out of inserted bone screws. As shown in FIG. 9C, the set screw 256 can be in an initial position that allows first and second bone screws to pass through holes 252, 254. Once the bone screws have been inserted through the holes 252, 254, the set screw 256 can be rotated (e.g., 90 degrees), to thereby block the bone screws and prevent back out of the bone screws. In some embodiments, the set screw 256 abuts a side of the head of the bone screws to prevent back-out of the bone screws, while in other embodiments, the set screw 256 rests over a top of the head of the bone screws to prevent back-out of the bone screws. In some embodiments, the set screw 256 comes pre-fixed with the plate 250. As shown in FIG. 9C, a single set screw 256 can be used to conveniently block a pair of bone screws. In other embodiments, each bone screw can be assigned its own set screw, which can operate independently of one another, to prevent back-out of the bone screw.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate different views of the low profile plate shown in FIGS. 9A-9D. From these views, one can see the lateral extensions 270 that extend from the body of the plate 250. From these views, one can also see the windows 272 (FIG. 10A) that extend along a substantial length of the lateral extensions 270. In some embodiments, each window 272 has a length greater than half the length of each lateral extension 270, thereby advantageously increasing the radiolucency of the plating system. In some embodiments, the plate 250 is assembled axially to the spacer 210.

In some embodiments, the low profile plate 250 can also include indented gripping sections 273 (shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B). These indented gripping sections 273 advantageously provide a gripping surface for an insertion instrument, thereby facilitating easy delivery of the plate to a spacer body during surgery.

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate different views of a fourth alternative embodiment of a low profile plate attached to a spacer according to some embodiments. Like the previous embodiment, the plating system 305 includes a plate 350 having lateral arms or extensions 370 that extend around an exterior surface of a spacer 310. The lateral extensions 370 extend wider than the lateral extensions 70 in the first embodiment, and do not necessarily have to interlock with the spacer 310. While in some embodiments, the plate 350 can be attached to the spacer 310 after inserting the spacer 310 into a desired location in the body, in other embodiments, the plate 350 can be pre-assembled with the spacer 310 prior to inserting the plating system 305 into the desired location.

Like the spacer 10 in FIG. 1A, the spacer 310 is configured to have an upper surface 312, a lower surface 314, and a leading end 322. In some embodiments, the upper surface 312 and/or lower surface 314 includes texturing 316, such as teeth, ribs, ripples, etc. to assist in providing frictional contact with adjacent vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the leading end 322 of the spacer 310 can be slightly tapered, as shown in FIG. 11D. With the taper, the leading end 322 can serve as a distraction surface that helps the spacer 310 to be inserted into an intervertebral space. As shown in FIG. 11B, the leading end 322 can be slightly concave, though in other embodiments, the leading end 322 can be straight or convex. In some embodiments, the spacer 310 can have a graft hole 320 that is completely enclosed. As shown in FIG. 11B, the graft hole 320 can surrounded by four walls. In addition, the spacer 320 can be comprised of four outer walls: two straight, one concave and one convex.

In some embodiments, the graft opening 320 (shown in FIG. 11B) of the spacer 310 is enclosed. While the graft opening 320 is rectangular with rounded edges, in other embodiments, the graft opening 320 can have a different shape. For example, in some embodiments, the graft opening 320 can have curved walls, instead of straight walls, or can have tapered walls, instead of straight walls.

Like spacer 10, the spacer 310 can be formed of a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the spacer 210 comprises allograft bone, while in other embodiments, the spacer 310 comprises PEEK.

The plate 350 is configured to have a pair of lateral extensions 370 that receive the spacer 320. As shown in FIG. 11A, in some embodiments, the lateral extensions 370 include one or more windows 372 for improving radiolucency of the plating system. In some embodiments, the plate 350 is assembled axially to the spacer 310.

In addition to capturing the spacer 310, the plate 350 is also configured to attach into one or more vertebral bodies via one or more bone screws 88, 89. As shown in FIG. 9A, the plate 350 includes a first screw hole 351, a second screw hole 352 and a third screw hole 354 for receiving bone screws 87, 88, 89 therein. In some embodiments, screw holes 352 and 354 are angled upwardly such that inserted bone screws 87, 88 pass upward into an upper vertebral body, while screw hole 351 is angled downwardly such that inserted bone screw 89 passes downward into a lower vertebral body. While the illustrated embodiment illustrates three screw holes for receiving three bone screws, it is possible to have one, two, four, five or more screw holes for receiving a different number of bone screws.

Over time, it is possible for bone screws to back-out. The plate 350 thus has blocking or set screws 356, 357, 358 (shown in FIG. 12C), each of which corresponds to one of screw holes 351, 352, 354. As shown in FIG. 12C, the set screws 356, 357, 358 can be in an initial position that allows first, second and third bone screws to pass through holes 351, 352, 354. Once the bone screws have been inserted through the holes 351, 352, 354, the set screws 356, 357, 358 can be rotated (e.g., 90 degrees), to thereby block the bone screws and prevent back out of the bone screws. In some embodiments, the set screws 356, 357, 358 abut a side of the head of the bone screws to prevent back-out of the bone screws, while in other embodiments, the set screws 356, 357, 358 rest over a top of the head of the bone screws to prevent back-out of the bone screws. In some embodiments, the set screws 356, 357, 358 come pre-fixed with the plate 350. As shown in FIG. 12C, a single set screw 356, 357, 358 can be used to conveniently block a single bone screws. In other embodiments, each set screw can be designed to block more than one set screw to prevent back-out of the bone screw.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate different views of the low profile plate shown in FIGS. 11A-11D. From these views, one can see the lateral extensions 370 that extend from the body of the plate 350. From these views, one can also see the windows 372 (FIG. 12A) that extend along a substantial length of the lateral extensions 370. In some embodiments, each window 372 has a length greater than half the length of each lateral extension 370, thereby advantageously increasing the radiolucency of the plating system. In some embodiments, the plate 350 is assembled axially to the spacer 310.

The plating systems describe include a plate that is independent from a spacer. The plate is low-profile and can be used with any type of spacer, such as allograft or PEEK.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Moreover, the improved bone screw assemblies and related methods of use need not feature all of the objects, advantages, features and aspects discussed above. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of these specific features and aspects of embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the discussed bone screw assemblies. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided that they come within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A spinal system comprising: a spacer for inserting into an intervertebral space, the spacer including: an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening that extends between the upper surface to the lower surface; a plate for abutting the spacer, the plate including: a plate body, a first opening formed in the plate body for receiving a first bone fastener, wherein the first opening is angled in an upward direction; a second opening formed in the plate body for receiving a second bone fastener, wherein the second opening is angled in a downward direction; a blocking mechanism for preventing back-out of both the first and the second bone fasteners, wherein the blocking mechanism has a first position whereby the first and second bone fastners can be inserted past the blocking mechanism and into the first and second openings and a second position following rotation of the blocking mechanism whereby the first and second bone fasteners are prevented from backing out by the blocking mechanism, and a pair of extensions that extend from the plate body, wherein the extensions are configured to engage the spacer wherein each extension includes an enclosed window that extends along a length of the extension and wherein each of the windows receives a portion that extends laterally outward from outer sidewalls of the spacer.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the spacer is a C-shaped spacer.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the spacer comprises an upper chamfer and a lower chamfer.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the pair of extensions that extend from the plate body extend around the outer surface of the spacer.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the pair of extensions include inward protrusions for inserting into outer sidewalls of the spacer.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the spacer includes a pair of notches that correspond to the pair of extension of the plate to form a first locking mechanism between the plate and the spacer.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the opening in the spacer is bounded by at least one convex surface.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the pair of extensions that extend from the plate body extend within the outer surface of the spacer.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the pair of extensions are part of an enclosed posterior extension that locks the plate to the spacer.
 10. A spinal system comprising: a spacer for inserting into an intervertebral space, the spacer including: an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening that extends between the upper surface to the lower surface, wherein the spacer further includes a concave leading end; a plate for abutting the spacer, the plate including: a plate body, a first opening formed in the plate body for receiving a first bone screw, wherein the first opening is angled in an upward direction; a second opening formed in the plate body for receiving a second bone screw, wherein the second opening is angled in a downward direction; a pair of extensions that extend from the plate body, wherein the extensions are configured to engage the spacer, and wherein each extension includes a window that extends along a length of the extension, and wherein each extension includes an enclosed window that extends along a length of the extension and wherein each of the windows receives a portion that extends laterally outward from outer sidewalls of the spacer.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the portion that extends laterally outward from the outer sidewalls is a hump portion.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the pair of extensions of the plate comprise inward protrusions that extend into notches formed on an outer surface of the spacer.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the set screw is configured to prevent back-out of both the first and the second bone screws in the plate.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein upon rotation of the set screw, the set screw abuts side surfaces of heads of the first and second bone screws.
 15. The system of claim 10, wherein the leading end of the spacer is tapered.
 16. A spinal system comprising: a spacer for inserting into an intervertebral space, the spacer including: an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening that extends between the upper surface to the lower surface; a plate for abutting the spacer, the plate including: a plate body, a first opening formed in the plate body for receiving a first bone screw, wherein the first opening is angled in an upward direction; a second opening formed in the plate body for receiving a second bone screw, wherein the second opening is angled in a downward direction; and a pair of extensions that extend from the plate body, wherein the extensions are configured to engage the spacer, and wherein each extension includes a window that extends along a length of the extension; wherein the spacer and the plate are independent from one another such that the spacer can be inserted into a desired spinal location prior to abutting the spacer with the plate.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the spacer comprises an allograft spacer.
 18. The system of claim of claim 17, wherein the allograft spacer includes at least one chamfer for accommodating either the first bone screw or the second bone screw.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the spacer comprises a PEEK spacer.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the pair of extensions each include a window that receives a hump portion of the spacer to create a locking mechanism between the plate and the spacer. 